Frederick Douglass Day

Frederick Douglass Day: Celebrating a Legacy of Freedom

Frederick Douglass Day is an annual observance that honors the life and legacy of the renowned abolitionist, orator, and statesman Frederick Douglass. This day serves as a reminder of his significant contributions to the fight against slavery and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

Quick Facts

When is it?: February 14
Tagged as: Black History, Civil Rights, Abolitionism
What’s the hashtag?: #DouglassDay
When was it founded?: 1895
Who founded it?: Mary Church Terrell

History of Frederick Douglass Day

Frederick Douglass Day originated shortly after Douglass’s death in 1895. Mary Church Terrell, an influential African American activist and educator, proposed the holiday to honor Douglass’s memory and continue his legacy. The day was initially celebrated in Washington D.C. and gradually spread to other parts of the country.

Timeline

1818: Frederick Douglass is born into slavery in Maryland
1838: Douglass escapes from slavery and settles in New York
1845: Douglass publishes his first autobiography, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave”
1895: Frederick Douglass passes away on February 20
1895: Mary Church Terrell establishes Frederick Douglass Day
2017: Douglass Day is revived as a transcribe-a-thon event

Frederick Douglass Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	February 14	Friday
2026	February 14	Saturday
2027	February 14	Sunday
2028	February 14	Monday
2029	February 14	Wednesday
2030	February 14	Thursday

Observed Frederick Douglass Day

Frederick Douglass Day is observed through various activities and events that honor Douglass’s legacy. Many organizations host transcribe-a-thons, where participants help transcribe historical documents related to African American history. This collective effort helps preserve and make accessible important historical records.

Educational institutions often organize lectures, discussions, and exhibitions focused on Douglass’s life and work. These events provide opportunities for people to learn about his contributions to the abolitionist movement and civil rights.

Community gatherings, including readings of Douglass’s speeches and writings, are also common. These events help keep his powerful words and ideas alive for new generations.

Fun Facts About Frederick Douglass

Douglass was the most photographed American of the 19th century
He taught himself to read and write while enslaved
Douglass published three autobiographies during his lifetime
He was nominated for Vice President of the United States in 1872
Douglass chose February 14 as his birthday because his mother called him her “little valentine”

Quiz

In which state was Frederick Douglass born?
What was the name of Douglass’s first autobiography?
Who established Frederick Douglass Day?
What year did Douglass escape from slavery?
What is the date of Frederick Douglass Day?

(Answers: 1. Maryland, 2. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, 3. Mary Church Terrell, 4. 1838, 5. February 14)

FAQs

Q: Why is Frederick Douglass Day celebrated on February 14?
A: Douglass chose February 14 as his birthday because he didn’t know his actual birth date.

Q: How is Frederick Douglass Day typically celebrated?
A: It’s often celebrated with transcribe-a-thons, educational events, and community gatherings.

Q: What is a transcribe-a-thon?
A: It’s an event where people work together to transcribe historical documents, making them more accessible.

Q: How did Frederick Douglass Day contribute to Black History Month?
A: The celebration of Douglass Day helped inspire the creation of Black History Month.

Q: Can anyone participate in Frederick Douglass Day events?
A: Yes, Frederick Douglass Day events are typically open to all who wish to participate and learn.

Importance of Frederick Douglass Day

Frederick Douglass Day serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and civil rights. By honoring Douglass’s legacy, we keep alive the spirit of resistance against injustice and the pursuit of freedom for all.

This day provides an opportunity for education and reflection on the history of slavery, abolition, and the civil rights movement. It encourages us to examine how far we’ve come and how much work still needs to be done in the fight for equality.

Moreover, Frederick Douglass Day inspires us to take action. Through activities like transcribe-a-thons, we can actively contribute to preserving and sharing African American history, ensuring that important stories and voices are not lost to time.